The department of chemistry started functioning from 1977-1978 session as one of the departments in National Institute of Technology, Silchar, Assam (formerly known as Regional Engineering College, Silchar). Since its inception the department of chemistry has provided both basic and engineering-oriented chemistry theory and practical courses for the B. Tech students of the institute. Apart from this, the department has formally started Ph. D programme in chemistry from 2005-2006 session. Furthermore, considering the needs of the students of the region and to establish itself as one of the best department of the institute, the department has started M.Sc. (Applied Chemistry) from 2009-2010.

So far the department has successfully awarded 34 M. Sc and 3 Ph. D degrees in the last three years. Currently, there are 29 students pursuing master degree and 24 research scholars working in the department. The department has set up laboratories with some modern equipment. However, process for procuring more sophisticated/ state-of-art equipments is already initiated which will further cater the needs of post-graduates and research scholars of the department.

Vision of the Department of Chemistry

The vision of the Department of Chemistry is to establish a model centre of excellence in the field of education in frontier areas of chemistry. The primary focus will be to produce highly competent graduates and post-graduates capable of working in the rapidly changing scenario in the field of chemical science and technology throughout their life.

Mission of the Department of Chemistry

The mission of the Department of Chemistry is to impart quality education through knowledge and updated information in the field of basic and applied chemistry related to science and technology. This will not only provide a comprehensive understanding of chemistry to the budding scientist and engineers but also enable them to face the future challenge of the world.

Programme Educational Objectives (PEOs) of the Department of Chemistry

The Master of Science and Doctoral Program's educational objectives state the general goals of the program. Program graduates are expected to:

Be successful in chemistry related careers and other diverse career paths,

Contribute to society and maintain ties to the institute,

Be motivated to continuously develop their knowledge and skills,

Grow continuously in the range of people with whom he/she interacts professionally and maintain good behavior amongst peers.

Programme Outcomes (POs) of the Department of Chemistry

By the completion of their master's and doctoral programme, students are expected to demonstrate:

An ability to apply knowledge of chemistry in diverse fields,

Experiments and interpret data,

An ability to identify, formulate, and solve problems related to chemistry.

Nanomaterials, Greener methodologies for the production of noble and metal oxide nano-materials, nano-composites, Application of nanomaterials in various organic transformations and water treatment, Adsorption/Interfacial Phenomenon Development of low-cost and synthetic nano-adsorbents for wastewater treatment, Waste plastics recycling Co-processing of petroleum vacuum residue with plastics and biomass Cracking or pyrolysis of biomass Polymer composites and nano-composites, Polymers, Desulfurization, Solid waste Management.

Md. Ahmaruzzaman is currently working as senior assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry. He received his postgraduate degree in M.Sc. (Chemistry) from North Bengal University after his graduation from the same University. He also received his postgraduate degree in M.Tech. (Energy Science & Technology) from Jadavpur University. He obtained his Ph.D. degree from Indian Institute of Technology Delhi. He has supervised several projects at the post graduate level. He has published more than 130 research papers in international journals as well as in various national and international conferences. He has more than 3800 Citations in International Journals. He is a reviewer of various peer-reviewed International and National journals.

Awards/Achievements :

• GATE qualified, 2002 • 2nd position in M. Tech. •1st position in M.Sc. (Gold Medalist) •2nd position in B.Sc. (Hons), •GATE scholarship in M. Tech • Awarded MHRD Fellowship during Ph. D. (Jan-1998 to Dec-2004) at IIT Delhi •Awarded 3-year membership to American Chemical Society •Paper published in high-impact Journal (5-Year Impact Factor: 21.043) • Four (04) no. of papers featured in the Science Direct Top 25 Hottest Articles •Associate Editor of the Frontiers in Environmental Science Journal.• Editorial Board Member of the Journals; •Journal of Chemistry and Applied Biochemistry •Journal of Composites and Biodegradable Polymers • Journal of Environmental Science and Engineering Technology • Global Journal of Energy Technology Research Updates; • Review Editor of the Journals; • Frontiers in Chemistry •Frontiers in Analytical Chemistry • Guest Editor of the following Journal• Journal of Chemistry.

1. Development of surface modified adsorbent for removal of Fe(III) and Cr(VI) from wastewater, AICTE, Rs.10,00,000/- Completed.
2. Development of tailored metal-oxide nanostructures for the removal of As(III) and Fe(III) from water bodies, NIT Silchar (STIS) Rs. 4,71,000/- Ongoing.

A Bhattacharjee, M Ahmaruzzaman, T Sinha, A novel approach for the synthesis of SnO2 nanoparticles and its application as a catalyst in the reduction and photodegradation of organic compounds, Spectrochimica Acta Part A: Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy 136, 751-760, 2015.

T Sinha, M Ahmaruzzaman, A novel green and template free approach for the synthesis of gold nanorice and its utilization as a catalyst for the degradation of hazardous dye, Spectrochimica Acta Part A: Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy 142, 266-270,2015.

A Bhattacharjee, M Ahmaruzzaman, A novel and green process for the production of tin oxide quantum dots and its application as a photocatalyst for the degradation of dyes from aqueous phase, Journal of colloid and interface science, 448, 130-139, 2015. (Impact Factor: 4.233)

Tanur Sinha, Md. Ahmaruzzaman and Archita Bhattacharjee, “A simple approach for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles and their application as a catalyst for the photodegradation of methyl violet 6B dye under solar irradiation”, J. Environ. Chem. Eng., 2 (2014) 2269.

A Bhattacharjee, M, Ahmaruzzaman, T, Sinha, Surfactant effects on the synthesis of durable tin-oxide nanoparticles and its exploitation as a recyclable catalyst for elimination of toxic dye: A green and efficient approach for wastewater treatment, RSC Advances,2014, 4, 51418-51429.

Ahmaruzzaman, M. and S. Laxmi Gayatri, Adsorption technique used for the removal of phenolic compounds from wastewater using low-cost adsorbents, Assam University Journal of Science and Technology, 5(11) (2010) 156-166.

Ahmaruzzaman, M. and S. Laxmi Gayatri, The use of activated carbon derived from potato peel as an adsorbent for the removal of 4-nitrophenol, Journal of Science Forum, Vol. II, No.1, (2011) Page 132-137.

Shamima Begum, M. Ahmaruzzaman, Hydrothermal synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles and their application as photocatalyst in the degradation of Triphenylmethane dye, International Conference on Emerging Trends in Nanomaterials Science and Technology, 2017.

Shamima Begum, M. Ahmaruzzaman, Green synthesis of SnO2/activated carbon nanocomposite and its application as photocatalyst in the degradation of naproxen, 4thInternational Conference on nanoscience and nanotechnology, 2017.

Tanur Sinha and Md. Ahmaruzzaman, “A greener approach for the fabrication of bimetallic gold-silver nanostructured materials and their application for the remediation of hazardous dyes from aqueous phase”, 4th International Conference on Advanced Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology (ICANN 2015), Pages- 9, 2015, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, India.

Archita Bhattacharjee, Md. Ahmaruzzaman, Aminoacid assisted green synthesis of CuO nanorods and its application as catalyst in the removal of a toxic aromatic nitro compound “International Conference on Frontier Science and Technology” held on 10-12th December-2015 at National Institute of Science and Technology, Berhampur, Odisha.

Archita Bhattacharjee, Md. Ahmaruzzama Green synthesis of SnO2 nanoparticles and its application as a photocatalyst in the degradation oforganic dye, First International Conference on Emerging Materials: Characterization & Application (EMCA-2014), December 04-06, 2014, Kolkata, India.

Th. Babita Devi and M.Ahmaruzzaman A rapid facile and green synthesis of Silver nanoparticles and its exploitation as a catalyst for the removal of hazardous dye, First International Conference on Emerging Materials: Characterization & Application (EMCA-2014), December 04-06, 2014, Kolkata, India.

Ruhul Amin Reza, Asim K. Sil, and M. Ahmaruzzaman, “ Assessment of Iron concentration in and around Silchar town of underground water and removal of iron using tea waste- as an adsorbent” at 18th International Conference (Post ISCBC-2012) on Perspective and Challenges in Chemical and Biological Sciences, Innovation Cross Roads held in IASST, Guwahati on 28th – 30th January 2012.

Ahamruzzaman, M and S.Laxmi Gayatri, Development of adsorbent from solid waste of potato peels for decontamination of wastewater containing 4-nitrophenol, The 14th International conference of International Academy of Physical Sciences on Physical Sciences interface with Humanity (CONIAPS-XIV), December, 22-24, 2011, SVNIT Surat, India.

Ahamruzzaman, M and S.Laxmi Gayatri, The use of activated carbon derived from potato peel as an adsorbent for the removal of 4-nitrophenol, International Conference on Emerging areas of Chemistry, ICEAC-2011, Department of Chemistry, Tripura University, Agartala, Tripura, 12-14 January, 2011.

Ahmaruzzaman, M. and Jash,T. ,” Studies on biomethanation of Calcutta municipal sewage in upflow anaerobic reactor, International conference (ECNM-99) on Environmental Challenges for the new Millennium 25th Nov. 1999.

Conferences (National):

Tanur Sinha and Md. Ahmaruzzaman, “A novel, green and template free synthesis of copper nanoparticles and its utilization for the removal of dyes from waste water”, National Conference On Current Perspectives On Research On Chemical Sciences (CPRCS- 2015), Pages-22, 2015, Department Of Chemistry, Assam University Silchar, India.

Aminoacid assisted green synthesis of SnO2 nanoparticles and its application as a photocatalyst for the removal of dye pollutants from water- Archita Bhattacharjee, Md. Ahmaruzzaman-Poster Presentation at “National Conference on Current Prospectives on Research on Chemical Science” March 25-26, 2015, Assam University, Silchar.

Ruhul Amin Reza, Asim K. Sil, and M. Ahmaruzzaman, “Spent Tea leaf as a potential low cost adsorbent for removal of Fe (III) from aqueous phase” at UGC Sponsored National Seminar on Emerging Areas of Research and Development in Chemical and Physical Sciences in North East India organized held in SS College, Hailakandi on 16th – 18th October 2012.

Ahmaruzzaman, M. and S. Laxmi Gayatri, The use of activated carbon derived from potato peel as an adsorbent for the removal of 4-nitrophenol, National Seminar on Environmental Chemistry and Human Health, February, 12-14, 2011, IQAC, Karimganj College, Karimganj-788710, Assam.

* B Sc in Chemistry in 1993 from G C College Silchar (under affiliation of Gauhati University) * M Sc in Chemistry (specialization in Inorganic Chemistry) in 1996 from Gauhati University * Ph. D in 2002 from Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati under the supervision of Professor Mihir Kanti Chaudhuri

Date of birth: 21st February 1973 B Sc from G C College, Silchar in 1993 M Sc from Gauhati University in 1996 Ph D from Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati in 2002

Awards/Achievements :

* Awarded NET-JRF in 1996 by Council of Scientific & Industrial Research, New Delhi.
*Awarded “High Quality Article (Top 20) Author Award 2011” for paper entitled “VO(acac)2 catalyzed condensation of o-phenylenediamine with aromatic carboxylic acids/aldehydes under microwave radiation affording benzimidazoles” by Editorial office of Chinese Chemical Letters, published by Elsevier.
* Delivered Invited Expert Lecture on “Principles and Application of Vibrational and Electronic Spectroscopy in Chemical Analysis” at Karimganj College on 18th January 2010.
* Delivered a talk on “GREEN CHEMISTRY” at S S College, Hailakandi under Star College scheme of DBT, New Delhi, on 14th March 2015.
* Chaired a session in One-day Regional Level Seminar on “ Modern Research in Chemical Sciences” held in Karimganj college on 17 January 2015.

A novel method for the reduction of aromatic nitro compounds under microwave irradiation, Three Day International Conference on Frontiers in Chemical Research (ICFCR), December 29-31, 2008, Mangalore University, Karnataka, India.

Synthesis of unsymmetrical thioethers and their oxidation by using hydrogen peroxide in different solvent systems, 14th International Conference of International academy of Physical Sciences (CONIAPS-XIV) on Physical Sciences Interface with Humanity, S.V. National Institute of Technology, Surat-07, Gujarat, India.

A novel method for the preparation of electrophilic bivalent sulfur compounds and their reactions with electron rich compounds under microwave irradiation, National Seminar on Recent Progresses in Physical Sciences, Karimganj College, Assam. India.

Synthesis, spectroscopic characterization and XRD structure of a new Schiff base containing N, S donor set and its bioactivity analysis, New Approaches in Basic Sciences towards the Development of Engineering and Technology, Assam Don Bosco University, Guwahati, Assam, India.

Born in Dhanbad (Jharkhand), Originally hail from Murshidabad District of (W.B).Qualifications: M.Sc.(Chemistry) from Vinoba Bhave University, Hazaribag (secured 2nd position in Univ.) - 1999. M.Phil.(Applied Chemistry) from Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad (Topper) - 2001. Ph.D. from Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad - 2006.

“Assessment of Fly ash for use in High Performance Concrete”, - A. Sarkar and Ruma Rano; Eighth NCB International Seminar on Cement and Building Materials, 18-21, Nov. 2003, New Delhi, India, pp X (54-63).

Importance of FE-SEM, FT-IR, XRD and BET surface area analysis to characterize various heterogeneous catalysts derived from coal fly ash, N.A. Mazumder, R. Rano, International Conference on Sophisticated Instruments in Modern Research (ICSIMR 2017), held on June 30 - July 1, 2017 at IIT Guwahati

N.A. Mazumder, R. Rano, Investigation on Fly Ash from Super Thermal Power Plant in India Using XRF, XRD, SEM-EDS and FT-IR Spectroscopy, National Conference on Current Perspectives on Research on Chemical Sciences (CPRCS-2015), held on March 25-26, 2015 at Assam University, Silchar.

“Morphological Characteristics of Ferrospheres extracted from Some Indian Flyash”, Ruma Rano and A.Sarkar, National Conference on Frontier Areas in Geological and Technological Aspects of Fossil Fuel and Mineral Resources, 2-4th Nov. 2006, I.S.M, Dhanbad, pp 329-333.

National Workshop on ‘Innovating India’ 25-26th November 2013 at National Institute of Technology Silchar, Silchar, Assam.

100th Session of the Indian Science Congress, 3rd-7th January 2013. Hosted by the University of Calcutta, Kolkata, West Bengal, India. Organized by the Indian Science Congress Association, Kolkata. (Young Scientist Presentation).

National Symposium on ‘Organometallic Chemistry and Organic Synthesis: Highlights and New Perspectives’ 28th – 29th March 2011. Organized by the Department of Chemistry, North Eastern Hill University, Shillong, Meghalaya, India.

National Seminar on ‘Co-ordination Chemistry and its Applications’ 24th March 2009. Organized by the Department of Chemistry, North Eastern Hill University, Shillong, Meghalaya, India.

Conferences (National):

Designing of polymer-bound triphenylphosphine reagents and its applications in intra-molecular Wittig reaction. Lalthazuala Rokhum. Proceedings of the hundredth session of the Indian Science Congress, 2013, 17.

Academics

The Chemistry Department was established in 1977 along with the establishment of Institute. It has been one of the best departments in terms of infrastructural facilities and faculties. It has got many well equipped labs with modern equipment ranging from the highly equipped Machine Lab to the latest PCs in the Computer Labs. It also has a well equipped CAD laboratory.

Projects Undertaken

The facilities available at the department offer an exceptional learning opportunity for research. Tools for modern chemistry are all available to our students and research scholars. Master degree students have their own projects in the final semester under the guidance of the faculties of the department. The department also has established links with several universities and research institutes that provide opportunities for project work and summer employment in chemistry. Additionally, the Research Promotion Cell (RPC) of NIT Silchar provides ample opportunity to students who are interested in taking up research in their chosen fields in consultation with the faculties. A research fund of up to Rs. 1 lakh can be sanction to master degree students for research project under RPC-Research Promotion Scheme.

Courses

The department offers Ph.D. programme in different fields of chemistry and two years Master of Science. Apart from these, the department is imparting engineering chemistry topic to B.Tech. 1st year students of the institute.

Research

With their expertise in various fields of chemistry faculty members are engaged in research encompassing from organic, inorganic, physical, energy and nano-material chemistry. Research is funded by major Indian funding agencies like DST, AICTE as well as from the institute. Moreover, majority of the research scholars have received fellowship from TEQIP-II fund of the institute.

Head of the Department

FAQs

Q: When can I apply for admission to the Master degree programme?
A: Advertisement for admission to the Master degree programme is published in leading national newspapers as well as institute's website usually in the month of April every year.

Q: What is the admission procedure for Master degree programme?
A: Admission for the master degree programme is done through a written exam followed by personal interview.

Q: What is the yearly intake for Master degree programme?
A: A total of 20 seats are available each year. Reservations are given as per Govt. of India rules.

Q: When can I apply for admission to the doctoral programme (Ph.D.)?
A: There are two rounds of admission for doctoral programme every year. Advertisement for admission is published in leading national newspapers as well as institute's website usually in the month of April and November.

Q: What is the admission procedure for doctoral programme?
A: Admission for the doctoral programme is done through a written exam followed by personal interview.

Q: Does the institute provide any financial assistance/ scholarship to master degree students and Ph.D. scholars?
A: The institute provides scholarship to both master degree students and research scholars from TEQIP-II, subject to availability of funds and students satisfying the eligibility criteria. At present master degree students and research scholars receive a scholarship of Rs. 6,000 and Rs.14,000 per month respectively.